By Umar Kyari Jitau
On May 29th, 2023, Jos like some of its sister state capitals witnessed the swearing-in of its sixth democratically elected Gov., Barr. Caleb Mutfwan.
As early as 6:00am, RWANG PAM TOWNSHIP STADIUM the venue of the ceremony commenced to witness the influx of supporters and loyalists from the seventeen LGAs in the state as well as friends and well wishers from all parts of Nigeria who trooped into Jos to grace the historic occasion.
Singers, dancers and drummers of all kind were busy doing what they know best to entertain the guests particularly with,”MUTFWAN GIDA-GIDA SAI MUTFWAN GIDA-GIDA” song, which seems to be the most popular of the moment in Plateau State. After the normal protocol procedures, the Dep. Gov and the Governor were sworn in by the State Chief Judge.
In his inaugural address, Plateau State Man of the Moment, H.E.Barr.Caleb Mutfwan who did not leave anyone in doubt of his preparedness to face and take on all the challenges that are challenging plateau development has this to say, ” Fellow plateau citizens,it is with great pleasure and immense gratitude to God that I address you today as the Sixth Democratically Elected Governor of Plateau State. It is by his grace that I stand before you today. To him alone be all the power and glory. It is indeed with deep gratitude to God Almighty, the lord Jesus and to all of the good people of plateau state that today has become reality”. Having studied the mood of the citizens of plateau state since when he was declared winner of hotly contested election, Barr. Caleb captured and summed it up, hear him,
“Your spontaneous outbreak of joy in rejoicing, singing and dancing which lasted for days is testimony of the cry and hunger in your hearts for a divine visitation in the days ahead. Thank you for this show of confidence in us. Thank you for the privilege and honour you have given us to serve you. We know you are expecting much from us. We will trust God for wisdom and enablement not to fail you. Today it is not just MY INAUGURATION it is OUR INAUGURATION as it marks the beginning of OUR COLLECTIVE QUEST FOR A NEW PLATEAU”.
Plateau state which use to the center of peaceful co-existence has witnessed some turbulent moments and therefore Barr. Caleb s’ speech has indicated that, A RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT has arrived plateau state, “I recall with nostalgia how my team and I transversed the length and breath of this God endowed state communicating out vision of a peaceful and prosperous plateau. We emphasized the plateau brotherhood irrespective of tribe or faith. While it is true that I have tribe and faith, I want assure that I will use these identities as positive values to enhance our common good. I therefore welcome you all to the new plateau where tribe and faith will no longer be tools for division but rich multi coloured threads to be weaved into strong ropes that will pull us together for unity and progress”. “By the grace of God we shall remain committed to our vision for the state. Conscious of the fact that I have been elected by the divine will of God and the great determination of the people, I promise by word and deed to be an advocate and practitioner of justice, fairness and equity”. In view of the fact that plateau like it’s other states is facing multiple challenges, is Gov. Caleb ready, or has he gotten the needed solutions to these problems?, Hear him, “I understand clearly the enormity of the task before me and I have no illusions that it is going to be an easy ride. The state is presently under a huge debt burden of over 200 billion naira, the Healthcare sector is in need of urgent attention, our school system requires a comprehensive overhaul, our infrastructure is decayed and inadequate and practically every sector requires urgent redress. I must mention that there are no quick fix solutions to these challenges but one thing is certain, WE ARE PREPARED TO TAKE THE CHALLENGES HEAD-ON AND WE WILL HIT THE GROUND RUNNING IMMEDIATELY”.
Listening to Gov. Caleeb s’ speech one will definitely conclude that, a Governor with the political will is finally here and what is needed most is for plateau citizens to rally around and support him maximally so that together they can get plateau out of the economic quagmire it got itself in withing the last few years.
Climax of the swearing-in ceremony was the Inspection of guard of honour mounted by the combined military, police and all other paramilitary forces by H.E.Barr.Gov Caleeb who wore the dress code of the day white gown and a green cap to match waved while the jubilant plateau citizens waved back to welcome him as he commences the journey to take plateau state to the promised land.
Umar Kyari Jitau, Director of Press to Dr. Sule Lamido and immediate past Deputy Director, Atiku/Mustapha Lamido Campaign Directorate, writes from Dutse, Jigawa State.
